INJURY PREVENTION

Dr. Peter Pappas

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Unintentional falls remain the leading cause of injury and death for Floridians over 64 years of age and a major source of disability.

According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2007 some 1,700 Floridians suffered fatal injuries from a fall and more than 53,000 required hospitalization and treatment.

Fear of falling and its consequences is a troubling issue for both the elderly and their care-givers.  While aging is inevitable and natural, injury is not.   There are many things we can do for ourselves and our loved ones to prevent falls and help make this season of our lives a safe and happy one.

More than 70% of these falls were sustained by those greater than 64 years old at a cost of over $2 billion.    Brain damage and hip fractures are the most common injuries sustained from unintentional falls, with hip fractures related to 25% of deaths and brain damage to a staggering 52% of fatalities.

Steps To Reduce Risk

UNINTENTIONAL FALLS remain the leading cause of injury and death for Floridians over 64 years of age and a major source of disability.

Here on the Space Coast in 2008, our community’s Trauma Center at Holmes Regional Medical Center treated over 300 patients greater than 64 years of age for fall related injuries.  While one-third of patients were able to return home after treatment, sadly 4% succumbed to their injuries and nearly three in five patients required time at a rehabilitation facility or were transferred to a nursing home.

As with many other types of injuries, the overwhelming majority of falls occur close to home.  The most common events are the classic “fall from standing” – slips, trips and stumbles.  Other common injuries include falls from bed, stairs, steps, and ladders.

Unintentional falls clearly pose a hazard to the health and well-being of the elderly.   Fortunately, there are a host of often simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, with a team approach between patients, their physicians and care-givers the key to success.

Understanding an individual’s health status is a key initial step.  Illness, the effects of medication and loss of mobility all increase the risk of falls as we age. Loss of balance, weakness and the pain of arthritis can contribute to falls as well, along with poor vision and confusion.  Medications used to treat anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes and many heart conditions may also increase the risk of falling.

The patient’s physician is thus a crucial part of the team in preventing falls and can provide important education and guidance in developing an effective program to minimize the risk of falling.   Physicians can offer valuable insight into the effects of a patient’s illness on their mobility as well as the side-effects of prescribed medications.

Home Safety Evaluations

Routine screening for fall risk can be done as part of regular physicals. If necessary, home health nurses, along with physical and occupational therapists can perform home safety evaluations as a part of prescribed treatment plans.

HANDRAILS on staircases and steps, as well as grab bars in the bath, can help compensate for weakness and gait imbalance to prevent dangerous falls.

With such a high proportion of falls occurring at home, simple interventions in and around the house can greatly impact the risk of injury.  Some simple interventions include removing clutter and throw rugs from living spaces and securing carpet edges.

Keep electrical cords and wires off the floor and check that lighting is adequate at night, particularly for the path to the bathroom.  Handrails on staircases and steps as well as grab bars in the bath can help compensate for weakness and gait imbalance.  Likewise, make sure that chairs are not too low and easy to get into and up from.  Use nonskid wax for floors and rubber mats in the tub and shower to prevent slips.

Outside, repair cracked sidewalks and keep pathways clear of obstacles.  Just as inside the house, adequate lighting by entrances and along pathways is important as are handrails by stairs and steps.

Major Focus For Florida Trauma System

Injury prevention is a major focus of our state’s trauma system.   The Trauma Center at Holmes Regional Medical Center is proud to play an active role with our community partners in fostering injury prevention and safety throughout the Space Coast area.

A wealth of information on fall prevention is available on the internet from both the national Centers for Disease Control and our State Department of Health through the Offices of Trauma, Elder Affairs and Injury Prevention.   Through awareness, education and communication among physicians, the elderly and their care-givers, we can all work towards reducing the risk of falls and preserving the health and independence of our loved ones.

For More Information

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm

• Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Communities for a Lifetime:                          http://www.communitiesforalifetime.org

• Florida Department of Health Office of Injury Prevention
  http://www.doh.state.fl.us/injury

• Florida Department of Health Office of Trauma
  http://www.doh.state.fl.us/demo/Trauma/index.html

Dr. Peter A. Pappas is a Trauma Surgeon with the Trauma Center at Holmes Regional Medical Center.  Originally from Orlando, Dr. Pappas underwent medical school and General Surgery residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and completed fellowship in Surgical Critical Care and Trauma at Orlando Regional Medical Center.  He is board certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care and has an active interest in research, education and injury prevention.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED STORY

HOLMES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER in Brevard County, Florida is home to one of just 22 trauma centers in Florida, a regional Level II center that opened 10 years ago.

Related posts:

1. Best Overcomes Near Fatal Injuries, Excels at Florida Air Academy
2. Helmet Use Proven Life-Saver
3. Seat Belts Still Best Practice For Safety
4. Trauma Center Gives Bevan Second Chance
5. Health First Health Plans Features Innovative Services